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3 Caffeine-Free Ways to Feel More Awake in the Morning

Those first few minutes when we reluctantly get out of bed in the morning and drag ourselves into the kitchen to make coffee can be downright painful. While we aren’t all born “morning people,” our seemingly harmless coffee ritual might be fuelling our lethargy. Through caffeine addiction, our bodies come to rely on an outside source of “energy,” and, as expected, we crash when our body wants more. Below, discover three caffeine-free ways to feel (and look) more awake. Because, unfortunately, we can't always sleep in.

This face and body mist contains lemongrass to promote energy, basil to clear our minds, rosemary for memory retention, and cloves to increase the brain's ability to focus. A unisex essential oil, Focus works to wake up the mind and the body through aromatherapy.

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foodandlove.com

We lovingly refer to ginger as “brain juice.” Trust us, one ounce any time of day and you’ll start talking a mile a minute. Beware: This stuff has a strong taste and can be rough on an empty stomach. So maybe fresh-press a shot of ginger, or buy a Jus by Julie's Ginger Shot ($4) and add it to your morning smoothie.

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@rumineely

Obviously, if you despise waking up in the morning, you aren’t going to be jazzed about setting your alarm even earlier to go for something as intense as a run. Don't worry: You don’t have to. Look and feel more awake in just a minute by flipping your head upside down. Gravity will flood blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the brain, making you feel more awake while giving your complexion a healthy glow. Can't do a handstand? Do a quick back bend, or bend forward at the waist and touch your toes instead.

Do you swear by a different trick for feeling more awake in the morning? Share with us below!